Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac., Herbalist

Sign up here!

What is your earliest memory of time in the woods? Is there a tree that played an important role in your childhood?

I am pleased to announce that Red River Health is expanding services to include more outdoor community activities. Engagement with the natural world has always been good medicine for me, and I have come to believe that healing the land is an essential social medicine. Moreover, forming relationships with nature plays a vital role in personal wellness, as most of us northern dwellers understand when the sun comes back our way.

Over the past several years, I have found myself spending more and more hours walking in the wilderness. Rural public lands and the urban parks along the Red River have become a second home. This winter, the lack of snow meant my dog, Buck, and I were walking rather than skiing. As we walked, I found myself fascinated by the large, elder Bur Oaks whose massive trunks and limbs dominated the winter landscape. There are vanishingly small fragments of oak forest and oak savanna that remain in this region. But oak savannas and bur oaks in particular were a keystone species of our region throughout the post-glacial era.

The more time I spent with these Oaks, the more determined I became to identify the oldest of these magnificent trees. Buck and I have found many that may be over 200 years old, with the eldest being near 250 years of age. A couple of years ago, I was planting Bur Oak saplings as part of a land restoration project I have going. As I studied more about these trees, I found readings that said Bur Oaks can live 500 or even 1000 years. I began to ponder the likelihood that these 12-inch saplings I was planting would live that long. I pondered the role humanity would have to play, and I pondered how intimate we would need to become with the land in order to get there.

Her Majesty

My ponderings and wanderings with Buck have given me time to introduce myself to many grand old oaks. I would like to introduce you to the oldest Bur Oak I have found at MB Johnson Park. I named this tree “Her Majesty.” Although not the largest or the oldest of the Bur Oaks I have found Her Majesty is has the unique dignity of royalty with her crown of large ascending limbs. She is nestled in the heart of Moorhead’s MB Johnson Park and has been there over 200 years I suspect. Unfortunately her habitat and her offspring are threatened.

MB Johnson Park is one of the largest city parks in the Red River Valley. In addition to providing several open recreational areas, there are many miles of trails that navigate the Red River and adjacent Snakey creek. Unfortunately the park has also become a habitat for the invasive shrub known as Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).

Buckthorn and the path of Restoration

Buckthorn is one of many plants know as “invasive”. Originally brought over from Europe, this plant has rapidly spread throughout the United States. In its native habitat, the plant was tempered by other plants and ecosystems accustomed to its traits. However, in the United States it has selfishly dominated our native habitats. Once you start to enter the thicker canopy of our local forests you don’t need to introduce yourself to buckthorn, it finds you. It is a thorny, snagging bully that suffocates passage through a forest. Here are some of its aggressive and destructive impacts.

Toxic Allelopathic Effects: Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) exerts its dominance through allelopathy, releasing toxins from its roots and leaves that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. These chemicals disrupt the germination and growth of native species, giving common buckthorn a competitive edge in invaded habitats. The allelopathic effects of common buckthorn not only hinder the establishment of native vegetation but also contribute to the formation of monocultures dominated by this invasive species. If you look around the understory of “Her Majesty” you will see no sign of Bur Oak sapplings.

Berries with Adverse Ecological Impact: The berries produced by common buckthorn play a significant role in its invasive spread. These berries are consumed by birds, which then disperse the seeds over wide areas through their droppings. However, the berries lack nutritional value for many bird species. The seeds are purgatives for birds, causing diarrhea, The dominance of Buckthorns berries lead to reduced food availability, potentially impacting bird populations. Moreover, the ingestion of common buckthorn berries by birds can contribute to the further spread of this invasive plant into new areas, exacerbating its ecological impact. Now that you have met Buckthorn you will see it everywhere because of this spread.

Understory Domination in Forest Ecosystems: In forest ecosystems, common buckthorn often dominates the understory, forming dense thickets that shade out native vegetation. This shading effect suppresses the growth of native plants, reducing biodiversity and altering ecosystem dynamics. The dense growth of common buckthorn can also impede the regeneration of native tree species by outcompeting seedlings for light, water, and nutrients. As a result, the invasion of common buckthorn can have profound and long-lasting effects on the structure and composition of forest ecosystems, ultimately compromising their ecological integrity. MB Johnson has a significantly impacted forest understory due to Buckthorn. But I have seen forests so overgrown by it that native trees like the Bur Oak are difficult to reach through the buckthorn thicket and are literally being strangled to death.

Collective of Action

Several years back, as I came to understand the scope of buckthorn’s invasion, I started communicating with Moorhead’s director of Sustainability Crystal Rayamajhi. Crystal has been instrumental in introducing several programs within the parks of Moorhead aimed at restoring healthy ecosystems. Now as a Regional Sustainable Development Specialist, Crystal has brought together a team of other activated specialists. Together we are developing a long term plan for Buckthorn management in the region. This plan will be executed over months and years and is dependent upon volunteer support.

Our first Buckthorn management event will take place on May 22nd. We will meet at MB Johnson park at 4:30 and learn about the riparian forest and Buckthorns unwelcome impact. Together we will remove as much Buckthorn as we can over a couple hours and then wrap things up with some food and rhythms. Please RSVP if you would like to start restoring the parks of our area. Thank you for your interest and support.

The post Help Protect the Oak forests along the Red River appeared first on Red River Health.

We are looking forward to hosting this series.

“…we will explore various holistic wellness topics aimed at enhancing overall well-being. From breathwork and meditation to gentle yoga flows,…”

Sign up today for the first gathering.

The post Alchemy of Aging Class appeared first on Red River Health.

Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac.

INTRODUCTION

With the indispensable support of a team of volunteers, Red River Health is planning to offer “Drum Flow Sessions” to veterans at the Fargo VA Medical Center. This initiative aims to provide a valuable service to veterans and I am immensely grateful to all those who are contributing to the endeavor. My experience is that drumming sessions or group rhythms help ease the mind, relax the body and create community. Here is the story behind these sessions.

ORIGINS

For years I have wanted to share the martial art that I teach (Aikido) with more people. I have been especially eager to introduce Aikido to veterans. As a martial discipline, Aikido is a powerful tool for balancing and neutralizing an attack, fostering a sense of centeredness and a resilient awareness. The practice creates an immersive feedback loop, anchoring our attention in the present and promoting centeredness. Despite its demands, Aikido leaves practitioners feeling invigorated and grounded. This experience aligns with what modern psychology defines as a “flow experience” or “flow state”. In a flow state, one’s engagement in an activity is so immersive that all peripheral thoughts fade. These self referential thoughts are replaced with an attentive presence, a fluidity of movement and spontaneous creativity.

After practicing Aikido for over 30 years, I can see that our practice isn’t for everyone. The body must be fully engaged in moments that are definitively martial. However, I can also see that some of the benefits of Aikido practice are available through other activities. For example, a few years ago I started cross country skiing. This exercise also facilitates a flow state. The demand for a smooth, efficient glide centralizes the importance of good form. There is a consistent feedback loop which naturally emanates from ones actions, and mistakes matter. These are some of the essential ingredients needed in a flow state practice. 

SERVICE

A staggering fact that I learned a few years back is that every 24 hours, 22 American military veterans die by suicide. Twenty two souls a day. This statistic underscores an urgent need for supportive programs for veterans.

Over a year ago I watched a documentary called Resurface. The film tells the story of veterans who are restoring their lives through the experience of surfing. A long time surfer and veteran created a program for his peers. With the help of a team of surfers, veterans were introduced to the practice of riding waves. One of the main characters of the film summarizes the benefits of engaging in this practice by saying:

“I used to wake up every day thinking about how I might kill myself, now I wake up wondering what the waves will be like today.”

Surfing is much like skiing, and much like Aikido, with a very tight feedback loop. If you lean too far forward, the board dives into the water, too far back, and the nose of the board sails skyward. Meanwhile, there is the an ever changing shift and roll of the wave itself. Surfing requires constant attention and adjustment, making it another form of moving meditation.

RHYTHM

My interest in rhythm grew as I noticed how music could enhance my skiing experience. I observed how I would naturally harmonize the rhythms of sound with the rhythms of my stride. Despite my lack of any musical background I found myself curious about rhythms. After watching a documentary about professional drummers and their inspirations, I noticed myself exploring rhythms more. This practice led me to believe that if I could engage with music through rhythm, anyone could. The idea of Drum Flow Sessions grew from there.

DRUM FLOW SESSIONS

I began sharing these ideas with friends and colleagues. We began workshopping gatherings with some generously donated equipment. As things progressed a group of volunteers and I reached out the VA. Eventually we brought some percussion equipment to a meeting with administrators of the VA’s Whole Health program, and together we dove into some rhythm. When we finished a short flow session, the VA was ready to introduce sessions on site. We will begin those sessions soon.

Meanwhile our work developing Drum Flow Session at 824 Main continues. We are currently hosting sessions at 6pm every other week. I am excited to open sessions to the public soon. While these sessions are designed to facilitate a flow experience, they are also important for the development of a team of volunteers who can facilitate sessions at the VA.

I think our work here is just beginning. In addition to facilitating Flow Sessions for other communities in need, we hope to provide Drum flow sessions commercially for business or organizations looking to enhance cohesion, community and collaboration while reducing workplace stress. Let us know if you would like us to facilitate a session for your business or organization.

SUPPORT

The support of others has been instrumental in building this program. In addition to volunteers, several people have donated percussion equipment and other skills to the effort. While the VA has secured funding for building their percussion library, we are hoping to keep building our own instrument library at 824 Main. We are also in need of administrative assistance as this work continues. It is our hope to involve other percussionists and other percussion communities in our project. All of these advancements will require financial support so please consider making a contribution.

If you would like to support this program please use the QR code below to make a financial contribution. If you would like to provide support in some other capacity please email the clinic directly.

Thank you all so much!

Robert Angotti

The post Drum Flow Sessions: Promoting Veteran Well-Being Through Rhythm appeared first on Red River Health.

The post Fee Adjustments for 2024 appeared first on Red River Health.

Robert Angotti

I have never felt very comfortable advertising aikido (the martial art that I practice) especially to my Red River Health clients. However, aikido is a beautiful practice for cultivating self awareness, body centering and a martial presence while getting an invigorating exercise. We have students from ages 6-65.

I started our aikido school (dojo) over 20 years ago and my students have suggested it is time to recognize that. We are having an anniversary seminar March 24th-26th. However, on the morning of the 25th we are opening the practice to visitors. You can come observe a more advanced class at 10am. And, you can participate in an introductory class at 11:15. All ages are welcome.

Wear sweatpants and a shirt that can be tucked in if you hope to participate. A training gi is also acceptable.

Please contact the dojo if you have any questions. Also, sharing news of this event would be greatly appreciated.

The post Aikido- Try a Free Class March 25th appeared first on Red River Health.

Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac., Herbalist

Happy New Year, and Happy Lunar New Year!

I wish the best for you all in health and happiness this year. Thank you so much for your trust and support. I continue to learn so much about the beauty and potential of Eastern medicine through your confidence and your willingness to share.

As usual, I have my eye on several projects for the year. Meanwhile however, my two young, and strong sons have made it clear that they are not available for my projects anymore. New beginnings. This lack of labor will change things for me. On the farm, I can’t manage a planting season or harvest without help. This may be why I have taken to calling the farm “Forty acres and a fool”. Most of my efforts this year will be focused on my attempt to re-establish native plants on the land.

Three Sisters

Nevertheless, I may channel Tom Sawyer and see how many volunteers I can coax into some farm labor. It would be interesting to try a collective “three sister” planting if we had the hearts and bodies. For a wonderful review of what a three sister planting is, I suggest the chapter of that name in Robin Wall Kimmer’s book Brainding Sweetgrass. Let me know if you would like to learn more.

“Fresh Start” Session

This year, I am adding a treatment in honor of my first teacher Angela Wu. I volunteered at her clinic to learn as much as I could from this gifted women. Each of her patients were given layers of treatment followed by acupuncture. The first two layers of treatment were administered by volunteers like me who had been trained by Dr. Wu. First we administered Chi Nei Tsang. This is an invigorating abdominal massage which opens flow throughout all the organs. It is grounding and cleansing, assisting in the bodies process of transforming what I have taken to calling our “unfinished business”.

The second layer involves cupping of the whole back. We use the fire cupping method to stimulate all the shu (organ connection) points along the spine. We also release and the many pockets of tension throughout the shoulders, back and hips. Cupping feels wonderful, especially when it is over.

Finally, the appropriate acupuncture protocol is administered. This is a very comprehensive treatment and I will be adding it as a 90 minute service this year. I recommend this monthly for those who are in need the “tune up” phase of therapy.

.

Paleo-cise

This is my word for the combination of self care exercises I am encouraging many patients to embrace. The paleo part references the significance of our ancestral history when considering health. Our bodies have many evolutionary inclinations. We have evolved to be healthiest when eating in certain ways, being active in certain ways, socializing in certain ways and resting in certain ways. Modern society has lost touch with much of this. “Paleo-cise” is my exploration of movements and activities the awaken our ancestral restorative energy, and invigorate health. I would like to begin by offering a class in some basic but powerful practices which align our center, disperse the accumulating stories of tension and pain in our bodies, and root us in the present. Let me know if you are interested and I can begin planning the first event. If you remind me, I will tell you about my paleo-cise logo above as well.

And much more…

I clearly have more ideas than time. I would enjoy hosting some cooking events to learn ways to eat healthier. I am interested in creating a yoga collective so that people can explore how yoga is communicating to them. Part of this would include an open studio session in our aikido training hall where members can practice yoga or meditation privately in a restorative space. Stay tuned as I work to bring some of these ideas into action. Your support, interest, and encouragement is always helpful.

New Few Schedule

Starting February 1st, I will be modifying the clinic few schedule. Below you can see these adjustments and the addition of the new “Fresh Start” session. I am truly grateful for all your support!

The post 2023 Year of the Rabbit appeared first on Red River Health.

Sun Salutations

I have been doing sun salutations for thirty years, but this year I realized that I am supposed to face the sun! I think it was the wind that suggested it to me. I can tell you more about that discovery some other time, but once I started facing the sun, a new relationship with the sun, and this simple yoga practice was formed. I suggest doing a sun salutation at least once in the morning, ideally at sunrise. I also suggest doing a sun salutation in the evening at sunset (again, ideally). Your body, mind and maybe even the sun will thank you for it!

Get Outside

Set aside 20 minutes a day for being outside. You can merge a couple days together and be outside for an hour, 3 days a week. The point is to engage with the natural environment. That may sound ridiculous when the high is -26°, but bundle up and give it a go. Moderate exposure to the sun, wind, earth, wildlife and even extreme temperature engages the restorative capacities of our body and mind. Vitamin D is a popular therapy now. That vitamin is generated by our bodies when exposed to the sun. However, I believe that it’s only a matter of time before science catches up with the indigenous wisdom that teaches us that our bodies are tuned into the natural world through a multitude of currents. We evolved within the natural landscape, and that world nourishes us as much as a meal does. Being disconnected from the natural world clearly fosters disease.

Engage your heart and lungs

Our heart stores the shen (spirit) while the lungs store the po (corporeal soul). These are elusive principle within Chinese medicine. The idea of spirit here can be described as the driving intention of our life’s purpose. In a very pragmatic sense the heart reflects this simply through its action of moving the blood (our experiences turned into a useful form). Our heart moves the blood through the whole body in order to animate our intentions, move our limbs, and direct our relationship with the outside world.

Meanwhile the lungs are in constant engagement with the enviornment. The lungs determine what to bring and what to expel. The skin (a part of Chinese medical lung system) is constantly venting, sensing and assessing the world. It’s no surprise to me that stimulating these organ systems toward the front of attention not only enhances vitality and longevity, but engenders a more centered and relaxed mind.

Get a dose of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week. Moderate is a term relative to you, and your level of health. The most simple gauge for assessing intensity is paying attention to the engagement of these organs. Are you working hard enough to need a breath between words when speaking a sentence? Good! If not, work a bit harder. Is your skin begining to sweat slightly? Good! If not, turn up the exertion level. If you have a heart monitor, use the information in this post to learn the ideal heart rate for you.

Exercise has been the norm for our bodies for all of time. Physical exertion has been essential for survival since the dawn of life. The gathering of resources, hunting, exploration for new homelands and the escaping of predators have been the default setting for our physiology for tens of millions of years. The idea that we can spend our lives behind desks, tables, tvs and smartphones with no health consequences is an even greater health pandemic than COVID.

The post 3 New Year’s Recommendations appeared first on Red River Health.

I made some changes at the clinic during the first COVID shutdown. I spaced appointments further apart in order to clean more and maintain social distancing. Having a bit more space blocked out through my day allowed me to add additional services as needed. Overall however, it reduced my appointment calendar by 20-25% a day.

Since then I have been paying more attention to my fee structure relative to my long range goals. What I’ve learned is that I need to change the way I apply charges in order to meet those goals. I think these changes will help enhance my services, your healing, and our experience at the clinic. Some of the changes that I want you to be aware of are fees for added therapies, consultations, and case evaluations.

“All diseases are rooted in the shen-spirit.”

Chapter 8, Ling Shu (475-221 BC)

I have always been drawn to this medicine because of its comprehensive and integrated understanding of mind and body. During COVID when my practice was closed, I began studying this aspect of the medicine more deeply. This is a rich area of practice. It’s built upon a deeper study of each individual, and a deeper cultivation of my capacity for facilitating change. It will also require some changes in how I manage the clinic. Thank you for your patience and support as I move deeper in this direction.

The new fee structure will start with the Chinese New Year, February 1st.

NEW FEE SCHEDULE

The post New Year’s Fee Changes appeared first on Red River Health.

Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac., Herbalist

I thought I would take a moment as we head into the winter and the holidays to identify some basic facts that might help families making tough decisions. Frankly, like many of you, I am tired of the COVID phase of life. My practice continues to be compromised by exposures that might increase risk for patients. I apologize to those of you whose appointments have been disrupted by this.

In addition to widespread pandemic fatigue, the delta surge has come with a new variety of information distortions. Meanwhile, countless differences continue to pull strongly upon the divisions inhibiting our collective effort.

Let me outline some of my basic goals. I intend to do what I can to reduce the spread of COVID in order to protect the vulnerable in our population from unnecessary illness and or death. I extend that intention to the various medical personal who have been inundated for months by what are often unnecessary COVID cases.

Once, Americans clapped for health-care heroes; now, “we’re at war with a virus and its hosts are at war with us,” an ICU nurse told me.

`By Ed Yong, The Atlantic

Finally, I intend to continue communicating the importance of social cohesion and common purpose in the face of this pandemic because I believe COVID is only one of many challenges we must learn to face collectively.

Spread in our area

As exhausting as it has been, we must still keep an eye on cases in order to evaluate or decisions. I find it helpful to remember the days of flooding we have faced in our area. Looking at the current river level and the anticipated crest was imperative for deciding where to dump the sand and whose house to save. I’m certain we threw hours into bags we didn’t need and sand walls that were never necessary. However, we willingly put our shoulder against the flood and did what was best for our neighbors; even when we didn’t know them.

So…the COVID river is still too high. Although cases in North Dakota (as seen above) have flatlined, the overall numbers remain high.

“There are eight states here in this Upper Midwest group that are beginning to see major surge activity. Minnesota, unfortunately, is leading the way with 54 cases per 100,000 population, almost twice the number of the national average, a 35% increase in the last two weeks in cases.”

“And while North Dakota has only had a 7% increase, its overall incidence of 67 cases per 100,000 is one of the highest in the entire country.”

Dr. Michael Osterholm, CIDRAP director

Vaccine efficacy reducing transmission

Recently, I was informed of some information being spread in our community about vaccine effectiveness which I found problematic. In a local publication a health care provider described COVID vaccines as “ineffective”. This is simply not true and can lead to both unnecessary illness, hospitalization, prolonged illness and death. For a detailed analysis you can review this article published by the Yale school of medicine. Important information is regularly available confirming vaccine effectiveness.

“data released by this Texas Department of Health this past Monday, showing that unvaccinated Texans were 13 times more likely to become infected and 20 times more likely to die from COVID compared to fully vaccinated individuals. So if there’s one thing I can say with 100% certainty, it’s get vaccinated.”

Dr. Michael Osterholm, CIDRAP director

Booster recommendations

I recommend that you consult with your Doctor about a booster shot. Waining immunity for people who have had either natural infections or vaccinations is a significant concern and will only prolong the pandemic. Booster shots will be essential in managing the anticipated winter spread.

Happy Thanksgiving

Given the rising COVID waters, it can be hard to feel at ease let alone happy. Nevertheless, I am often most grateful when the things that bring comfort and joy in life have been unavailable long enough to be more appreciated, less taken for granted. I am a bit of an ingrate that way.

Please enjoy sharing gratitude with family this week. If you are gathering with family members who you don’t see regularly, ask everyone to get a rapid COVID test before meeting. This will help insure everyones safety and expand the reach of protection.

The post COVID Controversy appeared first on Red River Health.

This growing season put my willingness to identify as a “farmer” to the test. Hot weather virtually no rain were some of the first things educating me in on the challenges farmers face. I have taken to calling our farm “40 Acres and a Fool”. The nickname fits for many reasons. Firstly, it’s clear that I am, and always will be, a student of the land. In fact, my first (and only) rule on the farm currently is to admit that I know nothing. I look forward to telling you more about how the land is educating me on this future posts. In fact, anyone who purchases crops from this growing season will be automatically enrolled for free as a member of the “40 Acres and a Fool Newsletter”. I hope to find more time to work on this through the winter. In the meantime, I want to tell you a bit of the story about this growing season and our harvest.

Legacy Farming

We added some orchards to the farm this year. Our primary focus was on hazelnuts, also known as filberts. As a kid my Great Aunt Jenny would bring us hazelnuts from her Washington state gardens each Christmas. My mother would also put out a bowl of mixed nuts in the shell during the holidays season. The mix featured hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds and brazil nuts. As a voracious nut eater, I found the “shell challenge” an important tool for curbing my holiday nut allotment.

The hazelnut is tasty and tremendously nutritious. The nuts are rich in omega-3, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. Moreover, they store well and if I fail as a farmer, the nuts will support wildlife year ’round.

After researching some hybrid hazelnut options, we invested in 100 saplings suitable to our area. After working the soil and building fencing we installed weed fabric and drip irrigation. By we, I mean my son Giulio and many of his strong, young friends who toiled in the ground doing the truly hard work.

Hard work is another important lesson I’m learning about farming. I have tried to make working the farm an extension of my exercise and physical therapy protocol. Someday I can tell you about the health benefits of “pocket gopher mountain climbing”. Today I just want to tell you how much I appreciate you buying some produce so that I can pay young people to do a good portion of this physical labor for me.

Toiling in the Drought

The labor of planting took us all the way to the end of June. Without the irrigation, we would have been in big trouble trying to establish these plants. I tried several rain dances through the season, but the one that finally seemed to do the trick was the “thistle twist”. This dance involves a high step move where one brings their boot down upon a growing thistle plant and then twists it into the ground before stepping upon the next thistle plant while simultaneously avoiding squash and pumpkins hidden below. I seem to grow thistle really well, but like so many invasive plants, thistle is aggressive and prickly – not the kind of neighbor I want to keep on the farm.

In the end, it seems that the great majority of the hazelnut plants survived the season. If they can survive the winter, and the deer, and the pocket gophers, and lord knows what else….we could start to see nuts from these bushes within two more growing seasons. In addition to the hazelnuts we added a handful of walnut trees. In ten years, we may get a few walnuts!

Cucurbitaceae Field in the “Fertile Crescent”

We decided to take advantage of the irrigation lines used for our hemp fields in order grow pumpkins and winter squash both members of the Cucurbitaceae for cucurbit family. This family of plants which includes gourds, and summer squash is native to North and Central America. With hills on the farm, we have basins and valleys where the nutrients accumulate. One of these basins I refer to as “the Fertile Crescent”. I will write more about that name in the future but it’s clear we have work to do restoring the fertility of the soil, even is this nutrient basin.

We settled on two varieties of pumpkins. One for Halloween decorations and one for eating. We donated the majority of our large pumpkins to the Moorhead Spud football program. We gave pumpkins away to children who came to one of the games. We also grew the “cinnamon girl” pumpkin. This small pumpkin has excellent flavor for pies, breads and even soups. The small pumpkin also makes a nice holiday ornamental.

We experimented with growing several different squash as well. Butternut is a favorite of mine so we planted seed for those. We also tried to grow some Buttercup and two interesting Japanese squash; Kabocha and Tetsukabuto. Both of these squash winter well with a hard shell to allow for a very long shelf life. These varieties have a sweet flaky flesh that can be used in all the classic ways. Winter squash has an excellent nutrient profile and is among the varieties of plants that help invigorate digestive function and restore vital energy. All of these produce are now available for purchase at the clinic. Although all of these varieties have a long shelf life, the Tetsukabuto can keep well for up six months getting sweeter through storage.

Squash Soup Recipe

I am making this up from memory with some improvisation.

Ingredients:

1 large Butternut or two medium Buttercup, Kabocha, or Tetsukabuto squash

2 yellow onions

4 Cloves fresh garlic

Spices as you like. Paprika and Cumin for instance.

Broth to desired thickness- chicken or vegetable.

Some greens for end garnish: green onions, parsley, kale.

I like to add some roasted nuts as well; walnuts, or pumpkins seeds are nice. Maybe slices of avocado.

Process:

Pre-heat the over to 375 or 400°. Slice the squash down the middle stem to bottom. Remove the seeds. Coat with olive oil, avocado oil or butter. Salt and pepper to season. Place flesh up in an oven tray and roast for 40-45 minutes. The squash flesh should give to a fork throughout when cooked. Cool and then spoon out the flesh.

Slice the onions in half. Line another oven tray with foil and oil the foil. Place face down with the skin on and bake for 45 minutes at the above temperature.

Puree the squash and onion together in a blender or food processor with the fresh garlic. Adding broth during this process may make blending easier. Transition to a pot and set at a simmer as you prepare your garnishes. Stir regularly to avoid scalding.

Enjoy!

The post Harvest appeared first on Red River Health.